1888.] NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 59 



should recognize by public expression the value of so distinguished 

 a life to the times in which it was cast: — Therefore be it resolved, — 



1st. That in the death of Professor Asa Gray, the Botanical 

 Section of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia recogni- 

 zes the removal of one who stood without a rival in his chosen field. 

 The magnitude of his work, the industry and ability with which 

 it was executed, the clearness of insight, the truthfulness and accu- 

 racy displayed in all that he undertook, have done more to .elucidate 

 the flora of North America, than the labors of any of his predeces- 

 sors or cotemporaries. 



2nd. That we desire here to record the fact, that as he was ever 

 ready to aid his co-workers however humble, by his extensive know- 

 ledge, his removal is deplored as a loss to the whole scientific com- 

 munity. 



8rd. That w'hile his great intellectual attainments w^ere combined 

 with the charms of a pure life, a warm heart and a charitable dis- 

 position Avhich gave a rare loveliness to his whole character, — there 

 were also added an inflexible purpose, an unyielding devotion to duty, 

 and an allegiance to all right principle. 



4th. That we will cherish his memory, and endeavor to follow 

 the spirit and purpose of his life in science, by fostering that frater- 

 nal feeling which he did so much to create among the botanists of 

 our country. 



5th. That while we trust that his removal hence is but the en- 

 trance upon a nobler field of action, we desire to offer to Mrs. Gray 

 and to other relatives our most profound sympathy in their be- 

 reavement. 



6th. That these resolutions be entered in full upon the minutes 

 of the Section, be printed in the Proceedings of the Academy, and 

 that a copy of them be transmitted to Mrs. Gray. 



Mr. Wm. M. Canby in seconding the resolutions said: — 

 One of the most remarkable men of our country and, as a scientist, 

 the best known and most esteemed abroad of any American of our 

 day, has passed from among us. The early advantages of Asa 

 Gray were not many. He was not a college-bred man in the ordi- 

 nary acceptation of the term and his rise was due to his own genius 

 and energy. It falls to me to-night to speak of him as a systematic 

 botanist. It is difficult for our younger botanists to comprehend the 

 low state of the science when Dr. Gray first became interested in it. 

 Nothing of any moment had as yet been done except in systematic 



